Nick Rimando called to USMNT

Real Salt Lake’s Nick Rimando, as expected, has been named to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster for the next set of World Cup qualifiers.

Of course there’s no surprise in that one, with Rimando more or less being a designated third-choice goalkeeper for the last five years, and that continuing. Rimando should not miss any RSL time as a result of the call-up.

• Oct. 6: USA vs. Panama, 5:30 p.m. Mountain
• Oct. 10: Trinidad & Tobago vs. USA, 6 p.m. Mountain

Despite the obviousness of Rimando’s selection, the roster has certainly garnered its share of criticism since the announcement. Fabian Johnson’s exclusion has raised eyebrows, while Gyasi Zardes has been called to the task once again. It’s an interesting decision for former Galaxy coach Bruce Arena.

USMNT Roster (via USSoccer.com)

GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Atlanta United FC; 15/0), Tim Howard (Colorado Rapids; 37/0), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake; 0/0)

DEFENDERS (9): DaMarcus Beasley (Houston Dynamo; 35/6), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City; 12/1), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City/ENG; 24/2), Omar Gonzalez (Pachuca/MEX; 16/0), Michael Orozco (Club Tijuana/MEX; 6/1), Tim Ream (Fulham/ENG; 6/0), Jorge Villafaña (Santos Laguna/MEX; 4/0), DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle United/ENG; (8/0), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City; 20/3)

MIDFIELDERS (10): Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas; 5/0), Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution; 0/0), Paul Arriola (D.C. United; 5/1), Alejandro Bedoya (Philadelphia Union; 9/0), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC/CAN; 38/7), Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City; 6/0), Dax McCarty (Chicago Fire; 0/0), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers; 9/0), Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 11/5), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy; 4/1)

FORWARDS (4): Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC/CAN; 39/16), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC; 41/18), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes; 0/0), Bobby Wood (Hamburg/GER; 12/4)